was
driven rapidly across the heavens, and the wind wailed in short and
mournful gusts past the chamber. The avenue was just visible from the
spot where I stood; and, looking down, I thought I could discern more
than one dark object moving apparently towards the house. It may be
readily conceived that I beheld their approach with an interest by no
means free from apprehension; and it was not long ere two beings, in
human habiliments, were distinctly seen at a short distance from the
gate by which I had entered. Feeling myself an intruder, and not being
very satisfactorily prepared to account for my forcible entry into the
premises, and the injury I had committed on the property of a stranger,
I drew hastily aside, determined to effect a retreat whenever and
wherever it might be in my power. Door and window alternately presented
themselves for the accomplishment of this unpleasant purpose, but before
I could satisfy myself as to which was the more eligible offer, as
doubters generally do contrive it, I lost all chance of availing myself
of either. "_Facilis descensus_"--"Easier in than out"--&c., occurred to
me; and many other classical allusions, much more appropriate than
agreeable. I heard voices and footsteps in the hall. The stairs creaked,
and it was but too evident they were coming, and that with a most
unerring and provoking perseverance. Surely, thought I, these gentry
have noses like the sleuth-hound; and I made no doubt but they would
undeviatingly follow them into the very scene of my labours; and what
excuse could I make for the havoc I had committed? I stood stupefied,
and unable to move. The thoughts of being hauled neck and heels before
the next justice, on a charge of housebreaking, or what not--committed
to prison--tried, perhaps, and--the sequel was more than even
imagination durst conceive. Recoiling in horror from the picture, it was
with something like instinctive desperation that I flew to the little
closet, and shut myself in, with all the speed and precision my fears
would allow. Sure enough the brutes were making the best of their way
into the chamber, and every moment I expected they would track their
victim to his hiding-place. After a few moments of inconceivable agony,
I was relieved at finding from their conversation that no notion was
entertained, at present, of any witness to their proceedings.

"I tell thee, Gilbert, these rusty locks can keep nothing safe. It's but
some few months sinc